Dr. Tom YUEN
Founder
Dr. Tom Yuen is a distinguished scholar in counselling education, renowned for his vast expertise and fluency in Chinese and English. He has served as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Applied Social Studies at City University of Hong Kong.
Tom has a Ph.D. in Counselling Psychology from the University of North Texas, where Dr. Garry Landreth mentored him. Dr. Landreth's distinguished contributions, such as founding the Children's Play Therapy Center at the University of North Texas and receiving the International Society of Play Therapy Lifetime Achievement Award, profoundly influenced Dr. Yuen's academic journey.
Tom boasts over 30 years of experience practicing psychological counselling in the United States, Canada, and Hong Kong. His dedication to expanding the field is evident through his numerous research projects and insightful perspectives on various subjects, including positive psychology, depression, personality disorders, play therapy, and youth-related issues. He has contributed extensively to journals, chapters, and books in psychology and counselling. His ability to translate psychological insights into practical applications and his engaging speaking style infused with humor resonate deeply with his audiences.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Tom is deeply committed to charitable and welfare activities. His contributions include leading a counselling services team in 2008 and supporting victims and soldiers at Chongqing Hospital as part of the Sichuan earthquake reconstruction project. Additionally, he served as the former Vice-chairman of the SUCCESS Board of Directors in Canada, playing a pivotal role in shaping Canadian immigration policies and services.
His passion deeps into play therapy in Hong Kong, where he has poured a decade of his heart into training and guiding play therapists. This steadfast commitment has left an indelible mark on the local play therapy landscape, nurturing fellow practitioners and their clients. His devotion to the field finds yet another expression in his authorship of books on play therapy, all written in the warm embrace of the Chinese language. These books stand out for their accessibility and readability, making the world of play therapy more approachable to all. In doing so, he has played a pivotal role in the wide dissemination of play therapy knowledge, bringing its transformative potential to even more people.
His interests extend beyond his academic and professional pursuits. He enjoys sports; photography, and cherishing quality time with his family and students. These personal passions reveal a well-rounded individual whose social interest and enthusiasm touch his academic and personal spheres of life.
Education Background:
Ph.D. Counsellor Education, University of North TexasÂ
M.Ed. Counselling Psychology, University of North TexasÂ
B.S. Counselling Psychology, North Texas State UniversityÂ
Professional Credentials:
Registered Psychologist, College of Psychologists of British Columbia
Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor, Association for Play TherapyÂ
Certified Play Therapist, Hong Kong Academy of Play Therapy
Specialized Areas: Â
Play Therapy Supervision
Clinical Counselling Supervision
Play Therapy and Counselling TheoriesÂ
Individual and Group Counselling
Child Parent Relationship TherapyÂ
Publications:Â
100 Questions and Answers of Play Therapy (2023)
The Notes of a Play Therapist (2021)
The Adler of Hong Kong: My Successful Road as a Psychologist (2020)
The Golden Words in Play Therapy (2020)
Play Therapy DVD (1995)Â
A Concise Overview of Dr. Tom Yuen's Professional Journey:
1997
Attained a Ph.D. from the University of North Texas, USA.
Commenced offering psychological counselling services as a registered psychologist at Parker Place Medical Clinic, Vancouver.
2001
Visiting professor of the Trinity Western University
2005
Established the Passage Counselling and Education Institute in Vancouver.
2006
Assumed the role of Vice Chairperson at S.U.C.C.E.S.S in Vancouver.
2008
Appointed as an Assistant Professor at City University of Hong Kong.
2014
Founded the Hong Kong Professional Counselling & Consulting Association (HKPCCA), offering:
Play therapy clinics for children and professional counselling services.
Accredited play therapy training programs, Child Parent Relationship Therapy courses, and supervision training for play therapists (all programs accredited by the US Association for Play Therapy).
2016
Became a founding member and Chairman of the Hong Kong Academy of Play Therapy.
2017
Successfully organized the inaugural Asia-Pacific Play Therapy Conference in Hong Kong, featuring Dr. Garry Landreth as the keynote speaker.
2018
Launched the Positive Counselling & Play Therapy Services in Vancouver, BC, providing:
Play therapy, youth, and adult counselling services.
Accredited play therapy and counselling training programs, along with child parent relationship training and supervision for play therapists.
2019
Orchestrated the second Asia-Pacific Play Therapy Conference in Hong Kong.
2021
Commenced professional play therapy services in Richmond, B.C.
2023
Expanded training to include in-person and online play therapy programs.